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========================================================================= DL-Xpress/386 User's Manual August 15, 1993 ========================================================================= TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 1.1 System Requirements CHAPTER 2: AUTOCAD 386 2.1 Automatic Installation 2.2 Basic Configuration 2.2.1 AutoCAD Configuration Menu 2.2.2 Video Board Configuration Anti-Aliasing Dual Monitor Mode 2.2.3 Testing the Video Mode 2.2.4 Exiting DL-Xpress Basic Configuration 2.2.5 Exiting AutoCAD Basic Configuration Aspect Ratio Status Line Command Prompt Screen Menu Area 2.3 Custom Configuration 2.3.1 Entering Custom Configuration 2.3.2 Custom Configuration Usage 2.3.3 Exiting Custom Configuration 2.3.4 Customizable Parameters Button Configuration Display List Options Dual Screen Options Flip Options Font Selection Rules of Thumb for Fonts Default Fonts Menu Color Scheme Palette Selection Screen Layout Restore Factory Settings Restore Previous Settings 2.4 DL-Xpress Commands 2.4.1 ZV - Zoom VMAX 2.4.2 GC - Garbage Collect 2.4.3 GCALL - Garbage Collect All 2.4.4 RD - Redraw 2.4.5 RDALL - Redraw All 2.4.6 DLXCONFIG 2.4.7 DLXSTATUS 2.4.8 DLXHELP 2.4.9 DLXDL CHAPTER 3: 3D STUDIO 1.0 3.1 Installation 3.2 Setting Up 3D Studio 1.0 3.2.1 3DS.SET Rendering Driver Main Display Driver Materials Editor Driver 3.2.2 3DADI.CFG 3.3 Configuration 3.3.1 Video Display Testing the Video Card Selection 3.3.2 Font Selection 3.4 Configuration Tips 3.4.1 Dual Screen Support 3.4.2 Main Display 3.4.3 Materials Editor 3.4.4 Rendering Display 3.5 Bugs in 3D Studio 1.0 CHAPTER 4: 3D STUDIO 2.0 4.1 Installation 4.2 Setting Up 3D Studio 2.0 4.2.1 3DS.SET Rendering Driver Main Display Driver Materials Editor Driver 4.2.2 3DADI.CFG 4.3 Configuration 4.3.1 Video Display Testing the Video Card Selection 4.3.2 Font Selection 4.4 Configuration Tips 4.4.1 Dual Screen Support 4.4.2 Main Display 4.4.3 Materials Editor 4.4.4 Rendering Display RDPADI RCPADI Rendering Notes CHAPTER 5: AUTOSHADE 5.1 Installation 5.2 Basic Configuration 5.2.1 Pointing Device 5.2.2 Display Driver Video Display Testing the Video Card Selection 5.2.3 Entering Custom Configuration 5.2.4 Selecting a Rendering Driver 5.2.5 AutoShade Questions 5.3 Custom Configuration 5.3.1 Custom Configuration Usage 5.3.2 Font Selection 5.3.3 Menu Color Scheme Alert Boxes Background/Cursor Command/Status Lines Dialog Boxes Side Menus Pull Down Menus 5.3.4 Palette Selection 5.3.5 Restore Factory Settings 5.3.6 Restore Previous Settings 5.4 Usage With AutoShade APPENDIX A: TECHNICAL NOTES A.1 Display List Technology A.2 Display List Compression A.3 TRUE-Erase A.4 Multiple Viewports A.5 Anti-Aliasing APPENDIX B: VIBCFG ENVIRONMENT VARIABLE B.1 Setting the Variable B.2 The Search Parameters APPENDIX C: TROUBLE SHOOTING C.1 Environment Space C.2 Symptoms & Solutions APPENDIX D: TECHNICAL SUPPORT SERVICES ========================================================================= CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION ========================================================================= Congratulations! You now own the best software display list driver for AutoCAD 386 ever, as well as including full support for Autodesk 3D Studio 1.0 & 2.0 and AutoShade with Autodesk Renderman. DL-Xpress/386 can, without a doubt, be called the fastest software display list driver ever sold. Not only does it accelerate zooms, pans and redraws, but also regens, moves and erases, which no other display list driver can claim. DL-Xpress is the first driver to ship with TRUE-Erase real-time garbage collection technology. Unlike other drivers, you no longer have to worry about garbage being left in the display list from moves and erases. With DL- Xpress and TRUE-Erase there is no garbage. This saves memory and allows you even more speed when using AutoCAD. DL-Xpress has been specifically designed with you, the user, in mind. All in all, DL-Xpress will increase your productivity while reducing the interruptions in your train of thought. As well as being a great display list driver for AutoCAD 386 (R10/11/12), DL- Xpress also provides high resolution and color depth support for a number of other Autodesk applications. These include: Autodesk 3D Studio 1.0 Autodesk 3D Studio 2.0 AutoShade Autodesk Renderman The rest of this manual will tell you how to install and configure DL-Xpress for your hardware and assorted applications, as well as how to customize DL- Xpress's various features. 1.1. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS To run DL-Xpress/386 your computer system must be capable of running the intended Autodesk protected-mode application. When DL-Xpress is being set up to run AutoCAD 386, we strongly recommend the use of additional memory. Autodesk recommends running AutoCAD 386 with at least 4 Mb of memory, (though the program is able to crawl with only 2 Mb). We strongly recommend more than 4 Mb of memory to run at optimal performance with drawings of 300K to 400K in AutoCAD (8 Mb is a good all around configuration). For drawings over 2 Mb we suggest more than 8 Mb of memory for best performance. The DL-Xpress/386 driver can be used on following ATI products : MACH8 Graphics Vantage Graphics Ultra 8514/A Ultra VGAWONDER GT MACH8 based OEM products MACH32 GRAPHICS ULTRA + GRAPHICS ULTRA PRO MACH32 based OEM products Restrictions : The 1280x1024 16-color mode (4 bits per pixel) is not supported on a MACH8 based products.. ========================================================================= CHAPTER 2: AUTOCAD 386 ========================================================================= 2.1 AUTOMATIC INSTALLATION The INSTALL.EXE program is used to install device drivers and utilities, and to configure the graphics card. 1) Power up your monitor and then your computer. 2) Insert disk #1, that came with your graphics card, in the floppy drive. 3) Change the directory from C: to the appropriate drive and directory. For example, if you have inserted disk #1 in drive A, type: A:\ (ENTER) CD\ (ENTER) 4) Type install and press (Enter) 5) The Main Selection Menu is displayed on your screen. Select Install ATI Device Drivers and press (Enter) 6) Your screen now displays the Install Device Drivers Menu. Select AutoCAD and press (Enter) 7) Follow the instructions on the screen to finish installing the AutoCAD driver. 8) After the installation, you will be given a batch file which sets all the environment variables that the driver needs. These variables have to be properly defined prior to loading the driver. They include: DSPADI RDPADI RCPADI VIBCFG Note: If you see the following DOS error: Out of Environment Space you will need to increase the size of your environment as set up in your CONFIG.SYS. See , Troubleshooting, for more details. 2.2. BASIC CONFIGURATION DL-Xpress is easy to configure. It asks various questions about how to set up your system through a simple and intuitive menu and windowing system. Pay close attention to the various text windows displayed during configuration since they display valuable information to help you customize DL-Xpress/386 for your needs. DL-Xpress replaces any other AutoCAD display drivers that you may have installed. It is possible, though, that these drivers may conflict with DL-Xpress. We recommend removing all other TSR ADI display drivers before using DL-Xpress. If you have installed DL-Xpress/386 for multiple applications, such as AutoCAD and 3D Studio, or you are running multiple DL-Xpress licenses on a network and you wish to have different configurations for each application or user, see Appendix C about setting the VIBCFG environment variable, which allows you to have multiple configuration files. 2.2.1. AUTOCAD CONFIGURATION MENU *** AutoCAD R10 & R11 All DL-Xpress configuration takes place within AutoCAD. To set up DL-Xpress as your display driver, enter AutoCAD as usual. 1) When AutoCAD brings up the Main Menu, select Option 5, Configure AutoCAD, to begin the configuration process. AutoCAD will display your current configuration and prompt you to press (Enter). After pressing (Enter), AutoCAD will take you to its configuration menu. 2) Select Option 3, Configure Video Display, from AutoCAD's configuration menu. AutoCAD will display your current video mode and ask you to select a new one. Press Y (Enter) and choose number 1, ADI P386 v 4.1, from the next menu. 3) After selecting the correct ADI P386 mode, DL-Xpress's title screen appears with bouncing boxes. If not, make sure that you have followed all the installation instructions correctly. If the problem persists, see Appendix D, Troubleshooting, to correct the problem, or contact our Technical Support. Press any key to move to the next screen. *** AutoCAD R12 1) To set up AutoCAD for DL-Xpress, enter AutoCAD's configuration menu by typing at the DOS prompt: ACAD -R 2) Once AutoCAD's configuration menu appears, select option 3 to configure the video display. AutoCAD will then present you with a list of all the possible video modes. Select the last option on the list which should read: DL-XPRESS BY VIBRANT GRAPHICS. At this point, DL-Xpress's title screen appears with bouncing boxes. If not, make sure that you have followed all the installation instructions correctly. If the problem persists, see D, Troubleshooting, to correct the problem, or contact our Technical Support. 3) Press any key to move to the next screen. 2.2.2. VIDEO BOARD CONFIGURATION Default: ATI 68800 Anti-Aliasing Off Single Screen Operation The next screen will display your current video mode, anti-aliasing status and whether you are set up for single or dual monitor operation. DL-Xpress asks if you want to change your current video mode. To change your video mode, answer (Y). DL-Xpress will present a list of graphics boards. Using the arrow keys and the (PgUp) and (PgDn) keys, highlight your video board and press (Enter) to select. DL-Xpress displays a list of resolutions available with your graphics board. Use the same method to pick the resolution as you did previously for the video board. *** Anti-Aliasing If you picked a 256 color resolution, DL-Xpress will ask if you want anti- aliasing. This is DL-Xpress's smooth line mode which eliminates the "jaggies" from your lines. Answer (Y) or (N) as appropriate. Bear in mind that anti- aliasing only works with a 256 color mode and will limit you to only 16 colors. For an in depth discussion of DL-Xpress's anti-aliasing feature, see Appendix A.7, Technical Notes: Anti-Aliasing. *** Dual Monitor Mode DL-Xpress then asks if you want to operate in single or dual monitor mode ((S) or (D)). If you have two monitors and two supported video boards in your system you may use dual monitor mode to display text on one monitor and graphics on the other. Please note that only monochrome or VGA type boards may be used for the second monitor. 2.2.3. TESTING THE VIDEO MODE After selecting the new video mode and display options, DL-Xpress gives you the opportunity to test the video mode. When DL-Xpress asks if you wish to test the video mode, answer (Y) or (N) as appropriate. If you answered (Y), DL-Xpress will display the following: IF YOU HAVE SELECTED AN INCORRECT VIDEO MODE, TESTING THE VIDEO MODE MAY CRASH YOUR SYSTEM. Should your system crash, simply reboot and select a different video mode. DL-Xpress may also warn that you have selected a video mode that does not work with the board in your system. If this is the case, verify that you selected the correct card and that your board is installed correctly. If the problem persists, see D, Troubleshooting. If everything is correct, you should see the Vibrant test pattern showing your current video mode and resolution. If your screen is blank or garbled there is a problem with your video card or your monitor. Be sure that your video card and your monitor can support the desired resolution. You may wait 10 seconds or press any key to exit the video test. DL-Xpress then asks whether the test screen looked correct. If so, answer (Y), otherwise press (N) and select another video mode. 2.2.4. EXITING DL-XPRESS BASIC CONFIGURATION Once you have finished selecting and testing the video mode, DL-Xpress asks whether you want to enter custom configuration. Custom Configuration allows you to set the buttons on your pointing device, select different menu fonts, customize your screen colors, control some display list options, etc. If you wish to enter Custom Configuration, answer (Y). DL-Xpress will bring you to the Custom Configuration menu. The options available include: Button Configuration Display List Options Dual Screen Options Flip Options Font Selection Menu Color Scheme Palette Selection Screen Layout Refer to the next section for detailed information about each of these Custom Configuration options. Some options are only active with your Soft Engine/386 upgrade. For more information, call Vibrant Graphics at 1-800-937-1711 (TEL: (512)250-1711 FAX: (512)250-5811) (TEL: (512)250-1711 FAX: (512)250-5811). If you don't wish to enter Custom Configuration at this time, press (N). This will end Basic Configuration. At this point, DL-Xpress will save your configuration file with whatever changes you have made. It will create a new configuration file with your custom settings if one did not previously exist. This file is created according to the VIBCFG environment variable or, if no variable exists, it will be created in the same directory that ACAD.CFG exists. If you wish to install DL-Xpress/386 for different applications or need to set the VIBCFG environment variable. See the discussion in Appendix C. 2.2.5. EXITING AUTOCAD BASIC CONFIGURATION After completing DL-Xpress's Basic Configuration, you are taken back to AutoCAD's ADI P386 configuration section. You will be asked several questions about the following: Aspect Ratio Status Line Command Prompt Screen Menu Area To leave each option unchanged, simply press (Enter) as the response to each question. *** Aspect Ratio In simple terms, this determines whether the circles or squares displayed on your screen are perfectly round or square. If not, you may need to adjust the aspect ratio of your monitor. Most monitors have a control on them for doing this. In general, it is better to adjust the monitor than to try changing this value. *** Status Line This determines if a status line is displayed at the top of the screen. In DL-Xpress's custom configuration you can further set whether you want one or two status lines in the AutoCAD drawing editor. Answering (N) to this option prevents DL-Xpress from displaying any status lines. *** Command Prompt This determines whether you have a command line at the bottom of the screen. This can also be set in DL-Xpress's custom configuration which allows you to set the number of active command lines on the screen as well. Answering (N) to this option overrides DL-Xpress's command line option, so it is probably best to leave this alone and change the command line status from within DL- Xpress. *** Screen Menu Area This determines whether you have a sidebar menu on the right side of the screen. This can be set in DL-Xpress's Custom Configuration. DL-Xpress additionally lets you control the width of your sidebar. Answering (N) to this option overrides DL-Xpress's sidebar menu option, so it is probably best to leave this alone and change the sidebar status from within DL-Xpress. 2.3. CUSTOM CONFIGURATION DL-Xpress/386 allows you to customize a variety of options for AutoCAD. DL- Xpress's Custom Configuration, unlike many drivers', is available to the user from within the drawing editor of AutoCAD. You can customize DL-Xpress and your display as you edit your drawing. The following parameters may be changed with DL-Xpress's Custom Configuration as needed: Button Configuration Driver Save State Dual Screen Options Flip Options Font Selection Menu Color Scheme Palette Selection Screen Layout Some options and features are only active with your Vibrant's Retail Soft Engine/386 upgrade. For more information, call Vibrant Graphics at 1-800-937-1711 (TEL: (512)250-1711 FAX: (512)250-5811).. Additionally, DL-Xpress provides: Restore Factory Settings Restore Previous Settings It is important to remember that unless the environment variable VIBCFG is used to control different configuration files, all changes to Custom Configuration affect DL-Xpress operation under AutoCAD, AutoShade and Autodesk 3D Studio simultaneously. For more information on the VIBCFG environment variable, see C. 2.3.1. ENTERING CUSTOM CONFIGURATION There are two main methods for activating DL-Xpress's Custom Configuration process (commonly called Advanced Config or DLXCONFIG). First, you can enter it through Basic Configuration. After you have finished configuring for your video board, you will be asked if you would like to enter Custom Configuration. Press (Y) or (N) as appropriate. Alternately, you can enter it from the drawing editor command prompt by typing: DLXCONFIG (Enter) Once you have entered DL-Xpress's Custom Configuration, the main menu will appear. 2.3.2. CUSTOM CONFIGURATION USAGE It's easy to use DLXCONFIG. Simply use the arrow keys on your keyboard to highlight the appropriate entry and then press (Enter) to select. In many cases you will be asked to enter a value in response to a question. The first letter is sufficient to enter the option most of the time. To leave an option unchanged, simply press (Enter) to skip over it. You can exit a menu at any time by pressing (Esc). 2.3.3. EXITING CUSTOM CONFIGURATION After you have finished making the necessary changes, simply return to DLXCONFIG's main menu and then press (Esc) or select Exit from the bottom on the menu. DL-Xpress asks if you want to save your changes. Simply respond (Y) or (N). If you answer (N), DL-Xpress will discard all the changes you just made while in DLXCONFIG. If you entered Custom Configuration from Basic Configuration you will automatically proceed to the next stage of configuration. If you entered DLXCONFIG from the AutoCAD drawing editor, you will return to the drawing editor. All changes will appear immediately except the new font and any changes you made to the size of your command line, status bar and sidebar. AutoCAD must be reinitialized to make these changes. To reinitialize AutoCAD, exit the drawing editor using the Quit or End commands. When you are at the AutoCAD main menu, reenter your drawing for your changes to take effect. When changing the width of the sidebar menu, you must recompile your ACAD.MNU file for the change to take effect. See Width of Sidebar Menu under Custom Configuration for more information. If the display list is disabled, all DL-Xpress's commands are disabled. To reenable the display list, enter Custom Configuration through Basic Configuration and select display list options. 2.3.4. CUSTOMIZABLE PARAMETERS DLXCONFIG provides the following customizable parameters: Button Configuration Display List Options Dual Screen Options Flip Options Font Selection Menu Color Scheme Palette Selection Screen Layout *** Button Configuration This option is only available with your Soft Engine/386 upgrade Vibrant Graphics, Inc. It controls Soft Engine's button command interface. For more information, or to order your upgrade, call Vibrant Graphics at (800) 937- 1711. *** Display List Options DL-Xpress has four options which can be used to control the operation of its display list. For a detailed discussion about Display List Technology see Appendix , Technical Notes. DL-Xpress's five display list options are: World Space Partitioning TRUE-Erase Display List R12 Display List Size World Space Partitioning:- World Space Partitioning is a method by which DL-Xpress orders the display list so that it can be transferred to the screen as fast as possible during a redraw. This feature partitions your drawing into blocks which can then be drawn very quickly. World Space partitioning is only active in Soft Engine/386. For information regarding upgrading to Soft Engine/386, call Vibrant Graphics at (800) 937-1711. TRUE-Erase:- This option will allow you to toggle DL-Xpress's TRUE-Erase real-time garbage collection feature on and off. When TRUE-Erase is active and you perform any erase-type command (erase, move, rotate, etc.), DL-Xpress will automatically remove all garbage data from the display list in real-time with virtually no speed penalty! If you wish DL-Xpress/386 to operate like other drivers , you can turn off TRUE-Erase and simply use the built-in GC command to do manual garbage cleanup. To turn off TRUE-Erase answer (N) in the space provided. Unless instructed to do so by a 3rd party AutoCAD utility software vendor, there is no reason to turn TRUE-Erase off. CAD Overlay users will want to turn TRUE-Erase off. CAD Overlay requires black vectors for some functions. You may also toggle TRUE-Erase on and off by using the GC or GCALL commands from the command line. You may do this by typing: GC=Y (Enable) or GC=N (Disable) For complete information on the GC command, see section 2.4.2. later in this manual. Display List:- The Display List option allows you to disable the display list acceleration provided by DL-Xpress. The net effect is to remove all acceleration. There are three possible ways to set the display-list: On, Off, and Fake. To enable the display-list, enter (E) in the space provided. To disable the display list, enter (D) in the space provided. DL-Xpress also allows you to fool AutoCAD into thinking you are running with an active display list by using its "fake" mode by entering (F) in the space provided. We advise you not to use DL-Xpress's fake mode under AutoCAD R10 and 11 386 since it is prohibitively slow. R12 Display List Size:- DL-Xpress allows you to define the size of your display list under AutoCAD R12. You can choose from either a 16-bit or 32-bit display list. A 32-bit display list takes up a little more memory but allows true regenless zooms and pans, as opposed to a 16-bit display list which has a definite zoom boundary at about 40 times magnification. With a 32-bit display list, you could zoom a drawing of the entire solar system drawn to scale down to read 3 inch letters. To activate the 32-bit display list, move the cursor to highlight the R12 Display List Size option and type (3) in the space provided. To activate the 16-bit display list, move the cursor to highlight the R12 Display List Size option and type (1) in the space provided. *** Dual Screen Options DL-Xpress/386 can be configured for dual monitors; one for your drawing editor and one for your text screen. There are three settings that control DL-Xpress's dual monitor actions: Dual Screen Modes Clear Graphics Screen on Exit Clear Graphics Screen on Shell Non Standard Text Screen Dual Screen Modes:- Default: (T) True dual monitor mode. DL-Xpress provides two dual screen implementations: 1) Enhanced Mode and True Mode Enhanced mode allows a command line to appear on the graphics screen (if you want one) and will run some script files faster. Enhanced mode does not allow you to reprogram the (F1) key. If you prefer to reprogram the (F1) key, you may have to use True Mode. 2) True mode (T) is the true AutoCAD dual screen mode that allows only a single prompt line without a graphics command area. Reprogramming the (F1) key is fully supported. Clear Graphics Screen on Exit:- Default: (Y) Graphics monitor is cleared When exiting the drawing editor while running DL-Xpress in dual screen mode, you have the option of leaving the graphics screen with the last graphics image still displayed. To leave the graphics screen on when you exit the drawing editor, type (N) in the space provided. If you would like DL-Xpress to clear the graphics display when you exit the drawing editor, type (Y) in the space provided. Leaving the graphics screen active is especially handy for referring to the drawing while running another program on the system such as a word processor. This selection allows high resolution graphics boards with a VGA daughter card to enable VGA pass-through mode. Clear Graphics Screen on Shell:- Default: (Y) Graphics monitor is cleared You also have the option to control the graphics screen while in a DOS shell within AutoCAD. It works much the same way as Clear Graphics Screen on Exit, except that it is controlled independently. You could have the graphics screen up while in a shell, clearing it after exiting AutoCAD (or vice versa). To have the graphics screen cleared during a shell, type (Y) in the space provided. To display the graphics screen during a shell type (N) in the space provided. This selection allows graphics boards with a VGA daughter card to enable VGA pass-through mode. Non Standard Text Screen:- If you are using a video board which supports a non-standard text screen (i.e. 80 x 43 or 80 x 50 resolutions) and you want your text screen to remain at the higher resolution, you will need to activate this feature. If this feature is not set, your text screen will default to 80 x 25, and may not be reset correctly when you exit AutoCAD. To activate the Non Standard Text Screen, move you cursor to highlight the appropriate option and enter (Y) in the space provided. To disable the Non Standard Text Screen, move you cursor to highlight the appropriate option and enter (N) in the space provided. Notes About Dual Screen Operation: If you use your 68800 board and a monochrome card together, you may start AutoCAD from either screen. DL-Xpress correctly knows to use the monochrome for the text display. *** Flip Options DL-Xpress provides four different ways to flip the screen between graphics and text mode in the drawing editor. These controlled by three settings: Flip Type Init on Flip Init on Shell Flip Type:- Default: Either (P) Partial Redraw Mode or (I) Independent depending on your current video mode. There a four methods which DL-Xpress can use to perform a flip: full blit mode, partial redraw mode, full redraw mode, and independent mode. Full blit mode ((F)) stores the entire graphics screen as a block during the flip. This brings a speed increase to flips and shells for VGA type cards, if you have enough memory (RAM) to store the entire graphics screen without causing excessive swapping to disk. For those customers that don't have enough memory, we have provided several alternatives. You can use the partial redraw mode ((P)) which stores the actual drawing space during a flip (or shell), but redraws the screen menus each time. This saves some memory and is still very fast. In general, the partial blit option provides almost identical speed at the full blit option, but saves memory. Another method, which saves the most memory is full redraw mode ((R)). This mode doesn't save any of the screen. It does an actual redraw each time you come back from a flip On smaller drawings, this option may actually be faster than the full or partial blit options depending on the amount of memory and the type of video board. If you are using an 8514/A or TI type card, this is all handled by the graphics board itself, so you should set your Flip Type to Independent ((I)). The most notable exception to this rule is the Hercules Graphics Station which incorrectly restores the screen if your Flip Type is set to Independent. Init on Flip:- Default: (N) Do not reinitialize display after text flip This option is only applicable to graphics boards running the TIGA interface. Init on Shell:- Default: (Y) Reinitialize display aftershell This option is only applicable to graphics boards running the TIGA interface. *** Font Selection DL-Xpress provides a wide variety of menu fonts. They come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from tiny to large. When selecting a font keep in mind your current resolution and the legibility of the font. To change the desired font, use the (PgUp), (PgDn), and arrow keys to select your desired font and press (Enter). If you entered DLXCONFIG from within the AutoCAD drawing editor, you will have to exit the drawing editor before the font change will take effect. Font Name Approx. Type Style ------------- ------------------------ VIBRANT14 Bookman-style 8 x 14 VIBRANT16 Bookman-style 8 x 16 VGA16 Generic VGA style 8 x 16 MESSENGER12 Courier-style 8 x 12 MESSENGER14 Courier-style 8 x 14 STICK12 Helvetica-style 8 x 12 FORMAL12 TmsRmn-style 8 x 12 TINY Modern-style 5 x 7 SMALL Modern-style 5 x 8 BLOCK6 Modern-style 6 x 8 BLOCK6 (CAPS) Modern-style 6 x 8 BLOCK8 Modern-style 8 x 8 BLOCK10 Modern-style 8 x 10 BLOCK12 Modern-style 8 x 12 BLOCK14 Modern-style 8 x 14 BLOCK16 Modern-style 10 x 16 BLOCK18 Modern-style 10 x 18 BLOCK21 Modern-style 11 x 21 BLOCK26 Modern-style 12 x 26 BLOCK32 Modern-style 15 x 32 BLOCK12x16 3DS Materials 640x400 BLOCK12x19 3DS Materials 640x480 BLOCK13x21 3DS Materials 720x540 BLOCK15x24 3DS Materials 800x600 BLOCK19x30 3DS Materials 1024x768 BLOCK24x40 3DS Materials 1280x1024 Table 2-1: Custom Font Name and Type Style *** Rules of Thumb for Fonts 1) 15 pixels wide x 32 pixels high These fonts are recommended for use at 1600 x 1200 and higher resolutions. Most Autodesk applications will function with these fonts at 1280 x 1024 or higher. 2) 11 x 21 & 12 x 26 These fonts are recommended for use at 1280 x 1024 resolution. Most Autodesk applications will support these fonts at 1024 x 768 or above. 3) 10 x 16 & 10 x 18 These fonts are recommended for use at 1024 x 768 resolution. Most Autodesk applications will support them is 800 x 600 or above. 4) 8 x 12, 8 x 14 & 8 x 16 These are good, general purpose fonts at all resolutions. They are recommended for 800 x 600 and 640 x 480. At higher resolutions they may be small for some purposes, but are nevertheless very useful. 5) 5 x 7, 5 x 8, 6 x 8, 8 x 8 & 8 x 10 These fonts are recommended with low resolutions such as 640 x 350 EGA or 320 x 200 VGA. They are useful when a very small font is needed. *** Default Fonts Depending upon the resolution selected with your video board, DL-Xpress selects an appropriate font automatically. Resolution Font Name ---------- --------- 1280 x 1024 BLOCK18 1024 x 768 BLOCK16 800 x 600 VGA16 640 x 480 VIBRANT14 640 x 400 or less BLOCK10 Table 2-2: Default Fonts vs. Resolution *** Menu Color Scheme DL-Xpress allows you to change your display colors in the following categories: Alert Boxes Background/Cursor Command/Status Lines Dialog Boxes Side Menus Pull-down Menus When you select the Menu Color Scheme option, DL-Xpress presents a submenu of the above options. Select the one you wish to modify and press (Enter). For each selection, you are presented with a submenu containing the specific item. There is a space on the right of each option where you can enter a color number. Depending on the palette you are using, you can select a number from 0 to 15 or 255. The names of the first 8 colors are listed on the left of the screen for reference. To view all available colors with the appropriate numbers, load the AutoCAD drawing COLORWH.DWG. Alert Boxes Foreground Background Border Background/Cursor Graphics Background Cursor Grid Border Lines Rubber Band Command/Status Lines Command Area Foreground Command Area Background Coordinate Line Foreground Coordinate Line Background Status Line Foreground Status Line Background DL-Xpress/386 Logo Foreground DL-Xpress/386 Logo Background Dialog Boxes Foreground Background Border Highlighted Foreground Highlighted Background Disabled Foreground Disabled Background Highlighted Disabled Foreground Highlighted Disabled Background Lines Side Menus Foreground Background Highlighted Foreground Highlighted Background Pull Down Menus Foreground Background Border Highlighted Foreground Highlighted Background Disabled Foreground Disabled Background Highlighted Disabled Foreground Highlighted Disabled Background *** Palette Selection DL-Xpress currently provides six color palettes from which to choose: AutoCAD 16 AutoCAD 256 256 ADESK 256 ADI 256-16-ADI 256-16-ADESK Custom To change the color palette, use (Up Arrow) and (Down Arrow) keys to highlight the appropriate palette and press (Enter). To view the palettes, load the CHROMA.DWG drawing in AutoCAD and view it with each palette. Typically you will only use AutoCAD 16 & AutoCAD 256. The other palette options are provided for compatibility with earlier versions of DL-Xpress. DL-Xpress's ADIPAL can be used to change the palette values on the fly in the drawing editor and save them to the Custom palette. For more information on this command, see later in this chapter. *** Screen Layout DL-Xpress allows you to customize your AutoCAD screen. After you have selected screen layout from custom configuration, DL-Xpress will present various options: Number of Status Lines Width of Sidebar Menu Number of Command Lines Number of Status Lines:- DL-Xpress allows either one or two status lines across the top of the AutoCAD drawing editor. With a single status line the cursor must be moved into the area for the pull-down menu titles to appear. With two lines, the pull-down menu titles continue to show after entering the pull down area. To change the number of status lines, simply enter the appropriate number into the space provided. To eliminate the status line completely, answer (N) when AutoCAD asks about a status line, immediately after Basic Configuration. It is normal to have a blank status line (i.e. no menu names) until you move the cursor into it for the first time. Width of Sidebar Menu:- DL-Xpress allows you to control the width of your sidebar menu. This will enable you to change the number of characters in each entry on your sidebar menu. To change the width of your sidebar, simply enter the appropriate number of screen characters in the space provided. The sidebar must be a minimum of 4 characters wide and a maximum of 32. To eliminate the sidebar completely, answer (N) when AutoCAD asks about a sidebar menu, immediately after Basic Configuration. You will need to recompile your ACAD.MNU file when changing the sidebar width, otherwise your sidebar menu will not be displayed correctly. Number of Command Lines:- You may also choose from 0 to 25 command lines at the bottom of your AutoCAD screen. The fewer the lines the faster the scroll rate. By entering 0 you will eliminate the command line altogether. This is really only appropriate with dual monitors. To change the number of command lines, enter the appropriate number into the space provided. *** Restore Factory Settings This function resets all of the Custom Configuration parameters to the original defaults. It will only affect those parameters set in this section and has no affect on those that are part of Basic Configuration. To restore the original settings, highlight the Restore Factory Settings option on your Custom Configuration main menu and press (Enter). DL-Xpress then asks if you are sure you want to do this. Answer appropriately with (Y) or (N) and again press (Enter). *** Restore Previous Settings This function resets Custom Configuration parameters to the settings prior to entering DLXCONFIG. Again, this function only affects the Custom Configuration parameters and not those set in Basic Configuration. To restore the previous settings, simply highlight Restore Previous Settings on your Custom Configuration main menu and press (Enter). DL-Xpress will ask if you are sure you want to do this. Answer (Y) or (N) as appropriate. 2.4. DL-XPRESS COMMANDS Many of DL-Xpress's special features can be accessed through simple commands which are entered on the command line in the AutoCAD drawing editor. Zoom and Pan Commands ZV GC GCALL RD RDALL Configuration Commands DLXCONFIG Help Commands DLXHELP DLXSTATUS 2.4.1. ZV - ZOOM VMAX After entering ZV at the command prompt, DL-Xpress will perform a fast Zoom VMAX, showing your entire drawing (based on the last regen), just as you would see with AutoCAD's R11's Zoom VMAX command. ZV is fully regen protected. It will display the largest possible view without doing a regen. It is impossible to cause a regen using the ZV command. If you need to do a regen (i.e. you need to zoom out further), you will need to either use the AutoCAD Zoom All command or type REGEN at the command prompt and then do another ZV. You could also use DL-Xpress's REGENMAX command. ZV is transparent so it can be used in the middle of many commands. All you need do is add an apostrophe to the beginning ('ZV). ZV gives AutoCAD R10 the same function as AutoCAD R11's Zoom VMAX command. This command is equivalent to the older DL-Xpress ZA command. The ZA command is still present for backwards compatibility. 2.4.2. GC - GARBAGE COLLECT GC is DL-Xpress's Garbage Collection command for a single viewport. You will rarely have to use this command if you have DL-Xpress's TRUE-Erase activated. In rare cases, it is possible for TRUE-Erase to make a mistake and erase the wrong vector. For example, if you have multiple vectors occupying the same space and you erase one by selecting it and using the AutoCAD Erase command. Both AutoCAD and TRUE-Erase assume you are removing the top vector and everything is all right. But, if you make a copy of the group of contiguous vectors, AutoCAD reverses the order they are drawn and so the top vector for AutoCAD is the bottom vector in DL-Xpress's display list. When you erase the top one, AutoCAD removes the correct one, but DL-Xpress removes the other one from its display list. It is difficult for DL-Xpress to distinguish between vectors that are in the same place. After lengthy edit sessions, it is possible for the display to become partially fragmented. Using the GC command will reduce the memory usage of the driver by replacing the display list with a new one. The GC command, on the other hand, requests a whole new display list from AutoCAD. If you do this after the suspect Erase, both DL-Xpress's display- list and AutoCAD's database will be in sync. The GC command is also used to enable or disable the TRUE-Erase feature. You may do this by typing: GC=Y (Enable) or GC=N (Disable) You may wish to disable the TRUE-Erase feature when using add-on products such as Cad-Overlay. Display list garbage collection commands used by other drivers are also supported as synonyms: DLDCLEAN, CLEAN, and NPURGE. 2.4.3. GCALL - GARBAGE COLLECT ALL This is identical to the GC command described above except that it effects all viewports, as opposed to only the active one. The GCALL command may also be used to enable or disable the TRUE-ERASE and World Space Partitioning features as described by the GC command above. 2.4.4. RD - REDRAW This is DL-Xpress's shorthand for the AutoCAD Redraw command. It is identical in every way to Redraw. It simply gives you a quick command to redraw the screen to remove any garbage there. RD applies to the active viewport only. Remember that DL-Xpress speeds up regular AutoCAD commands as well as its own shorthand commands. 2.4.5. RDALL - REDRAW ALL RDALL (or RDA) is the same as DL-Xpress's RD command, except that it applies to all viewports, not just the active one. 2.4.6. DLXCONFIG The DLXCONFIG command is used from the drawing editor to enter DL-Xpress's Custom Configuration program. For more information on Custom Configuration, see earlier in this chapter. To access Custom Configuration, type at the command prompt: DLXCONFIG 2.4.7. DLXSTATUS The DLXSTATUS command displays the current status of DL-Xpress. It shows the name, version number and serial number of the driver, and also shows the size in kilobytes of the display list. To get this information, simply type at the command prompt: DLXSTATUS 2.4.8. DLXHELP The DLXHELP command accesses DL-Xpress's online help system. Type at the AutoCAD command prompt: DLXHELP Once DL-Xpress's help screen appears, you can flip through the different pages by using the (PgUp) and (PgDn) keys. To exit help and return to your drawing, press the (Esc) key. 2.4.9. DLXDL DLXDL is DL-Xpress's display list control command. It allow you to toggle the display list and TRUE Erase on and off. To use the DLXDL command, type at the command line: DLXDL={DISPLAYLIST},{TRUEERASE} DLXDL has two options. The first allows you to turn DL-Xpress's display list on and off. Set DLXDL equal to (Y) or (N) as appropriate. Disabling the display list using this command put DL-Xpress into a special "fake" mode which frees up the memory associated with the display list while fooling AutoCAD into thinking that the display list is still active, so that the rest of DL-Xpress's commands will be recognized by AutoCAD. To permanently turn off the display list, use Display List Options in DL-Xpress's Custom Configuration. Remember, disabling the display list in Custom Configuration also disables all DL-Xpress commands and features (including the DLXDL command). The next option toggles DL-Xpress's TRUE Erase real time display list garbage collection feature on and off. Again, set DLXDL equal to (Y) or (N) as appropriate. Turning TRUE Erase off is unnecessary, except for CAD Overlay users since CAD Overlay uses the black vector garbage stored in the display list. If you need to change only certain DLXDL options, place commas with nothing between them to step past options which need not be changed. As an example, to turn TRUE Erase off while leaving the display list with the previous setting, type at the command line: DLXDL=,N ========================================================================= CHAPTER 3: 3D-STUDIO 1.0 ========================================================================= This chapter discusses the use of DL-Xpress with 3D Studio version 1.0. If you are using DL-Xpress with 3D Studio version 2.0, please refer to chapter 4. DL-Xpress is ideal for use with Autodesk 3D Studio 1.0. DL-Xpress is unique in that it allows you to select different video modes for each of 3D Studio's displays: Main Display, Materials Editor and Rendering Display. For example, you could edit your drawing at 1024 x 768 in the Main Display, select and view materials at 640 x 480, and render your drawing at 800 x 600. Note that DL-Xpress requires an Intel math coprocessor. If a Weitek math coprocessor is additionally present, DL-Xpress ignores it. If you are using 3D Studio with only a Weitek coprocessor in your 386 or 486SX machine, contact Vibrant Graphics for a copy of our Weitek specific ProRes/386 product. 3.1. INSTALLATION Follow the instruction in section 2.1 AUTOMATIC INSTALLATION, except steps 6 and 7. Instead of selecting AutoCAD, select 3D Studio. 3.2. SETTING UP 3D STUDIO 1.0 3.2.1. 3DS.SET After installing DL-Xpress, you will need to modify the 3DS.SET file located in your 3D Studio directory. These changes tell 3D Studio that you are using DL-Xpress as the RCPADI driver. Once these changes are made they will not need to be done again. Use your favorite word processor (remember to save in text mode only!) to make the changes described below. Please be aware that the line numbers given are approximate, though they should indicate the general vicinity of the parameter. *** Rendering Driver It is necessary to modify the Rendering Driver section of the 3DS.SET file to set DL-Xpress as the default rendering driver. To do this change line 123 as outlined below: Old line 123 (approx.): DEFAULT-DISPLAY = "VGA300X200" New line 123 (approx.): DEFAULT-DISPLAY = "RCPADI" Should you need to use a different rendering driver than DL-Xpress, you can select a new one from within 3D Studio by selecting Render, Setup..., Configure from the main menu and choosing a different display driver. *** Main Display Driver Next, set DL-Xpress to be the Main Display driver. To do this, change line 139 by removing the semicolon, as outlined below: Old line 139 (approx.): ;MAIN-DISPLAY = RCPADI New line 139 (approx.): MAIN-DISPLAY = RCPADI *** Materials Editor Driver Finally, set DL-Xpress to be the Materials Editor driver by removing the semicolon in line 146: Old line 146 (approx.): ;MATERIAL-DISPLAY = RCPADI New line 146 (approx.): MATERIAL-DISPLAY = RCPADI 3.2.2. 3DADI.CFG Each time you need to reconfigure DL-Xpress/386, you will need to delete the 3DADI.CFG file, located in your 3D Studio directory (\3DS). To do this at the DOS prompt type: CD \3DS DEL 3DADI.CFG If your system crashes while testing a video card selection during DL-Xpress configuration, you will need to delete this file before being able to reconfigure DL-Xpress. 3.3. CONFIGURATION You can now enter 3D Studio itself and begin the configuration process. You can do this any way, or at the DOS prompt type: CD \3DS 3DS DL-Xpress's title screen should appear with various boxes bouncing around the screen. If not, make sure that your environment variables are set correctly, that you have correctly edited your 3DS.SET file and that you have deleted the 3DADI.CFG file. If the problem persists, see Appendix D, Troubleshooting, or contact our Technical Support. You can press any key to continue to the next screen or simply wait about 10 seconds for it to happen automatically. There are three sections of 3D Studio 1.0 for which DL-Xpress will need to be configured: Main Display Materials Editor Rendering Display You will configure DL-Xpress for each display in turn. Configuration for each is very similar, so simply follow the procedure outlined below for each display. Read over the configuration instructions below and review the tips for each 3D Studio display located after the configuration section before continuing DL-Xpress configuration. Please note that if you haven't set up separate VIBRANT.CFG files with the VIBCFG environment variable, any changes you make here for 3D Studio 1.0 will be in effect for AutoCAD, AutoShade and 3D Studio 2.0 as well. For more information on how the set the VIBCFG environment variable, see Appendix C. 3.3.1. VIDEO DISPLAY Default Main Display: Generic VGA 640 x 480 x 16 Materials Ed.: Generic VGA 320 x 200 x 256 The next screen displays the section of 3D Studio your are editing along with your current video mode. DL-Xpress will then ask you whether you want to change the video mode. To change your video mode, answer (Y). DL-Xpress displays a list of graphics boards. Using the arrow keys and the (PgUp) and (PgDn) keys, highlight your video board and press (Enter) to select. DL-Xpress then displays a list of resolutions available with your graphics board. Use the same method to choose the resolution. *** Testing the Video Card Selection After selecting the new video mode and display options, DL-Xpress will give you the opportunity to test the mode to make sure that it is correct. When DL-Xpress asks whether you wish to test the video mode, answer (Y) or (N) as appropriate. If you answered (Y), DL-Xpress prints a warning: IF YOU HAVE SELECTED AN INCORRECT VIDEO MODE, TESTING THE VIDEO MODE MAY CRASH YOUR SYSTEM. Should your system crash, simply reboot and select a different video mode (Don't forget to delete the 3DADI.CFG file first, otherwise 3D Studio won't let you configure DL-Xpress). DL-Xpress may also warn that you have selected a video mode that does not work with the board in your system. In this case verify that you selected the correct card and that your board is installed properly. If the problem persists, see Appendix D for Troubleshooting. If everything goes correctly, you should see the test pattern showing your current video mode and resolution. If your screen is blank or garbled, there is a problem with your video card or your monitor. Be sure that your video card and your monitor can support the selected resolution. Wait 10 seconds or press any key to exit the video test. DL-Xpress asks whether the test screen looked correct. If so, answer (Y) otherwise, press (N) and select another video mode. 3.3.2. FONT SELECTION Default Main Display : VGA16 Materials Editor : Largest for Resolution Rendering Display : N/A After selecting and testing the video mode, DL-Xpress will ask if you want to change the current menu font. There will also be a brief message which will help you in selecting the correct font. Remember, there is no font selection for the rendering configuration. If you wish to change your current font, answer (Y). DL-Xpress displays a list of fonts from which to select. Using the same method as selecting a video mode, choose one font from the list, as described previously in Table 2-1. Also refer to the section Rules of Thumb for Fonts that follows Table 2-1. *** 3D Studio Material Editor Fonts These fonts have been specifically created to maximize 3D Studio's Materials Editor. The size of the Materials Editor on the screen is determined by the font size. DL-Xpress will automatically select the appropriate Materials Editor fonts depending on your resolution. 3.4. CONFIGURATION TIPS There are many issues to consider when configuring DL-Xpress for 3D Studio's Main, Materials, and Rendering displays. This section is designed to help you configure DL-Xpress to get the most out of 3D Studio. 3.4.1. DUAL SCREEN SUPPORT 3D Studio 1.0 does not support simultaneous use of two separate monitors. Soft Engine/386 from Vibrant Graphics supports a wide variety of graphics board, allowing you to use multiple graphics displays with 3D-Studio 1.0. Contact Vibrant Graphics at (800) 937-1711 for more information. 3.4.2. MAIN DISPLAY Speed is of the essence when using 3D Studio's Main display editor. You will want to have the highest clarity with the most speed. To get the most speed, you will want to select a 16 color mode. This will cut down on the redraw times. The Keyframer will benefit most from this. It is a good idea to select a medium to high resolution for the Main display since this will give you the most clarity. A good resolution to pick is 800 x 600 or 1024 x 768 with 16 colors. The VIBRANT16 font has been expressly designed for the 3D Studio Main display. It simulates a Bookman style font which we have found to be clear and easy to read. At 1024 x 768, you may find it a little small. In that case, you may want to select one of the larger BLOCK fonts. 3.4.3. MATERIALS EDITOR It is a good idea to select 640 x 480 x 256 colors as the resolution for the Materials Editor. This gives a good balance between readability and speed. The material renderings are fairly fast while being clear enough to view effectively. Whatever resolution you use, you should select a 256 color mode for the materials editor. While you may select a mode with more than 256 colors, only 256 colors will be used and performance will be slower. The size of the Materials editor is controlled by the font size, so choosing the correct font is important here. For 640 x 480, BLOCK12x19 is ideal. It causes the Materials editor to be at its largest; it fills up the entire screen. DL-Xpress will automatically select the largest possible font for the resolution you have selected to use as the default. Unless you really need to, there is no need to change the font here. Higher resolutions will require longer to render a material. 3.4.4. RENDERING DISPLAY Once you have finished configuring the Materials Editor, your 3D Studio Main display will appear. You will not be asked to configure the Rendering Display until you actually render something. We suggest that you load a sample drawing and render it now to save time and trouble later. After you have loaded a sample drawing, go through the process of rendering it. You must select RCPADI as your rendering driver. Under 3D Studio 1.0, DL-Xpress cannot be configured as an RDPADI device. Before rendering, your DL-Xpress title screen will appear for a third time. Follow the same procedure as before. It is important to note that the higher the resolution selected for a rendering, the longer your drawing will take to render. A good resolution at which to render is 640 x 480 or 800 x 600 with 16.7 million (24-bit) colors. Anything higher takes a long time for only slightly better results. You should select a HiColor (15/16-bit) or TrueColor (24-bit) mode if possible. 3D Studio performs all the rendering calculations in 24-bit color and, if configured for a 256 color device (limitiation of MACH 8 based products) has to scale them down to 256 colors. This requires 3D Studio to make a second pass of the rendering screen. This is avoided if you select a HiColor or TrueColor mode. Please note that if you haven't set up separate VIBRANT.CFG files with the VIBCFG environment variable, the rendering mode selection you make here will be for both AutoShade and 3D Studio (1.0 or 2.0). 3.5. BUGS IN 3D STUDIO 1.0 3D Studio (version 1.0) has some bugs which affect the use of DL-Xpress/386. These have mostly been fixed in 3D Studio 2.0. *** If you use the command sequence Render, Setup..., Configure to select a different rendering display device, you may not select RDPADI (When DL- Xpress is configured as a RDPADI device, 3D Studio crashes during rendering). This bug affects all drivers including Autodesk's supplied sample driver RCPVGA41.EXP. *** After doing a number of renderings, you may unexpectedly crash. This is because each time you render 3D Studio loads another copy of DL-Xpress and allocates memory for the Phar-Lap DOS extender. This memory is never returned to the DOS extender so eventually it runs out of Local Descriptor Table (LDT) sectors. The only solution is to quit and then reenter 3D Studio after every eight or nine renderings. Note that having 3D Studio render a sequence of frame automatically counts as only one rendering. *** Another symptom of the problem described above is that after just a few renderings you may run out of physical RAM and the system will dramatically slow down as it pages frequently to the hard disk. Again, there is no other solution than to exit and restart 3D Studio. ========================================================================= CHAPTER 4: 3D-STUDIO 2.0 ========================================================================= DL-Xpress is also fully compatible with 3D Studio 2.0. DL-Xpress is unique in that it allows you to select different video modes for each of 3D Studio's displays: Main Display, Materials Editor and Rendering Display (both RDPADI & RCPADI). For example, you could edit your drawing at 1024 x 768 in the Main Display, select and view materials at 640 x 480, and render your drawing at 800 x 600. It is important to note that DL-Xpress requires an Intel math coprocessor. If a Weitek math coprocessor is additionally present, DL-Xpress ignores it. If you are using 3D Studio with only a Weitek coprocessor present in your 386 or 486SX machine, contact Vibrant Graphics for a copy of our Weitek specific ProRes/386 product. 4.1. INSTALLATION Follow the instruction in section 2.1 AUTOMATIC INSTALLATION, except steps 6 and 7. Instead of selecting AutoCAD, select 3D Studio. 4.2. SETTING UP 3D STUDIO 2.0 4.2.1. 3DS.SET After installing DL-Xpress, you will need to modify the 3DS.SET file located in your 3D Studio directory. These changes tell 3D Studio that you are using DL-Xpress as the RCPADI or RDPADI driver. Once these changes are made they will not need to be done again. Use your favorite word processor (remember to save in text mode only!) to make the changes described below. Please be aware that the line numbers given are approximate, though they should indicate the general vicinity of the parameter. *** Rendering Driver It is necessary to modify the Rendering Driver section of the 3DS.SET file to set DL-Xpress up to be the default rendering driver. To do this change line 231 as outlined below: Old line 231 (approx.): RENDER-DISPLAY = VGA300X200 New line 231 (approx.): RENDER-DISPLAY = RCPADI This will allow you to render using the RCPADI and RDPADI selections within 3D Studio 2.0 by selecting Render, Setup..., Configure from the main menu and choosing the appropriate display driver. *** Main Display Driver Next, set DL-Xpress to be the Main Display driver. To do this, change line 254 as outlined below: Old line 254 (approx.): ;MAIN-DISPLAY = RCPADI New line 254 (approx.): MAIN-DISPLAY = RCPADI *** Materials Editor Driver Finally, set DL-Xpress to be the Materials Editor driver by removing the semicolon in line 264: Old line 264 (approx.): ;MATERIAL-DISPLAY = RCPADI New line 264 (approx.): MATERIAL-DISPLAY = RCPADI 4.2.2. 3DADI.CFG Each time you need to reconfigure DL-Xpress/386, you will need to delete the 3DADI.CFG file, located in your 3D Studio directory (/3DS). To do this, type at the DOS prompt: CD \3DS DEL 3DADI.CFG If you crash the system while testing a video card selection during DL-Xpress configuration, you will need to delete this file before being able to reconfigure DL-Xpress. 4.3. CONFIGURATION You can now enter 3D Studio itself and begin the configuration process. You can do this any way you want or type at the DOS prompt: CD \3DS 3DS DL-Xpress's title screen should appear with various boxes bouncing around the screen. If not, make sure that your environment variables are set correctly, that you have correctly edited your 3DS.SET file and that you have deleted the 3DADI.CFG file. If the problem persists, see Appendix D Troubleshooting, or contact our Technical Support. You can press any key to continue to the next screen or simply wait about 10 seconds for it to happen automatically. There are four sections of 3D Studio that DL-Xpress will need to be configured for: Main Display Materials Editor Rendering Display (RDPADI) Rendering Display (RCPADI) You will be configuring DL-Xpress for each display in turn. Configuration for each is very similar, so simply follow the procedure outlined below for each display. Read over the configuration instructions below and review the tips for each 3D Studio display located after the configuration section before continuing DL-Xpress configuration. Please note that if you haven't set up separate VIBRANT.CFG files with the VIBCFG environment variable, any changes you make here for 3D Studio 1.0 will be in effect for AutoCAD, AutoShade and 3D Studio 2.0 as well. For more information on how the set the VIBCFG environment variable, see Appendix C. 4.3.1. VIDEO DISPLAY Default Main Display: Generic VGA 640 x 480 x 16 Materials Ed.: Generic VGA 320 x 200 x 256 The next screen will display which section of 3D Studio you are configuring and what your current video mode is. DL-Xpress will then ask you whether you want to change your current video mode. To change your video mode, answer (Y). DL-Xpress will present you will a list of graphics boards. Using the arrow keys and the (PgUp) and (PgDn) keys, highlight your video board and press (Enter) to select. DL-Xpress will then give you a list of resolutions available with your graphics board. Use the same method to pick the resolution as you did previously for the video board. *** Testing the Video Card Selection After selecting the new video mode and display options, DL-Xpress will give you the opportunity to test the video and make sure that it is correct. When DL-Xpress asks whether you wish to test the video mode, answer (Y) or (N) as appropriate. If you answered (Y), DL-Xpress will first print a warning: If you have selected an incorrect video mode, testing the video mode may crash your system. Should your system crash, simply reboot and select a different video mode (Don't forget to delete the 3DADI.CFG file first). DL-Xpress may also give you a warning that you have selected a video mode that does not work with the board in your system. If this is the case, verify that you selected the correct selection from the card list and that your board is installed correctly. If the problem persists, see Appendix D for Troubleshooting. If everything goes well, you should see the test pattern showing your current video mode and resolution. If your screen is blank or garbled there is a problem with your video card or your monitor. Be sure that your video card and your monitor can support the desired resolution. You may wait 10 seconds or press any key to exit the video test. DL-Xpress will then ask you whether the test screen appeared correctly. If so, answer (Y) otherwise, press (N) and select another video mode. 4.3.2. FONT SELECTION Default Main Display : VIBRANT16 Materials Editor : Largest for Resolution Rendering Display (RDPADI) : N/A Rendering Display (RCPADI) : N/A Once you have finished selecting and testing the video mode, DL-Xpress will ask you whether you want to change the current menu font. If you wish to change your current font answer (Y). DL-Xpress will give you a list of fonts to select from. Using the same method as selecting your video mode, choose your desired font from the list, as described previously in Table 2-1. Also refer to the section Rules of Thumb for Fonts that follows Table 2-1. *** 3D Studio Material Editor Fonts These fonts have been specifically created to maximize 3D Studio's Materials Editor. The size of the Materials Editor on the screen is determined by the font size. DL-Xpress will automatically select the appropriate Materials Editor fonts depending on your resolution. 4.4. CONFIGURATION TIPS There are many issues to take into consideration when it comes to configuration DL-Xpress for 3D Studio's Main, Materials, and Rendering displays. This section is designed to help you make the most informed decision about configuring DL-Xpress and how to get the most out of 3D Studio. 4.4.1. DUAL SCREEN SUPPORT 3D Studio 2.0 fully supports simultaneous use of two separate monitors. Soft Engine from Vibrant Graphics will allow you to use two (or even three) separate video boards to display to the same of different screens. Contact Vibrant Graphics at (800) 937-1711 for more information. 4.4.2. MAIN DISPLAY Speed is of the essence when using 3D Studios Main display editor. You will want to have the highest clarity with the most speed. To get the most speed, you will want to select a 16 color mode. This will cut down on the redraw times. The Keyframer will benefit most from this. It is a good idea to select a medium to high resolution for the Main display since this will give you the most clarity. A good resolution to pick is 800 x 600 or 1024 x 768 with 16 colors. The VIBRANT16 font has been expressly designed for the 3D Studio Main display. It simulates a Bookman style font which we have found to be clear and easy to read. At 1024 x 768, you may find it a little small. In that case, you may want to select one of the larger BLOCK fonts. 4.4.3. MATERIALS EDITOR It is a good idea to select 640 x 480 x 256 colors as the resolution for the Materials Editor. This gives a good balance between readability and speed. The material renderings are fairly fast while being clear enough to view effectively. Whatever resolution you use, you should select a 256 color mode for the materials editor. While you may select a mode with more than 256 colors, only 256 colors will be used and performance will be slower. The size of the Materials editor is controlled by the font size, so choosing the correct font is important here. For 640 x 480, BLOCK12X19 has been found to be ideal. It causes the Materials editor to be at its largest; it fills up the entire screen. DL-Xpress automatically selects the largest possible font, depending on the resolution you have selected previously, to use as a default. 4.4.4. RENDERING DISPLAY You will configure DL-Xpress twice for the rendering display; once for RDPADI and once for RCPADI if you set both the RCPADI and RDPADI environment variable during configuration. *** RDPADI Before configuring DL-Xpress for RDPADI, 3D Studio will present you with this prompt: Will the RDPADI render on a separate screen? <Y> DL-Xpress with 3D Studio 2.0 supports simultaneous dual graphics screens using two different graphics boards in your system, allowing you to use the display modules on one screen, and to render on another. If you are using a single monitor only for editing and rendering, you must answer (N) to this question. After answering this question, you will return to normal DL-Xpress configuration. *** RCPADI Before RCPADI DL-Xpress configuration, 3D Studio will present you with this prompt: Will the RCPADI render on a separate screen (unlikely)? <N> 3D Studio 2.0 supports simultaneous dual graphics screens using two different graphics boards in your system, allowing you to use the display modules on one screen and to render on another. If you are using a single monitor only for editing and rendering, you must answer (N) to this question. This is completely separate from the RDPADI setting described above. Typically, you will want to answer this question the same way as you answered the one with RDPADI (answering the same way for both indicates that both RCPADI and RDPADI are on the same screen). You will again be returned to DL-Xpress's configuration to complete the configuration for 3D Studio. Once you have completed this, you will be sent to the Main Display of 3D Studio 2.0. *** Rendering Notes It is useful to note that the higher the resolution you select for a rendering, the longer your drawing will take to render. A good resolution at which to render is 640 x 480 or 800 x 600 with 16.7 million (24-bit) colors. Any higher resolution takes a longer time for only slightly better results. If you have a choice, select a 24-bit or 15/16-bit rendering mode. 3D Studio 2.0 performs all rendering calculations with 24-bit display in mind. Rendering using a MACH8 based product takes longer, as you can only use 256 color mode requiring 3D Studio to make two passes: one to display and another to calculate the new colors. If you have a choice, select a HiColor (15/16-bit) or TrueColor (24-bit) resolution for the rendering display. 256 color modes require two passes by the renderer to display the screen correctly. Shortcut:- It might seem redundant that you can use DL-Xpress for either RCPADI or RDPADI, but it does provide an interesting shortcut when rendering. Set up RCPADI (or RDPADI... it doesn't matter) with a low resolution (say, 640 x 480 x 1.67 million colors). This gives you a quick "draft" rendering for verifying object positioning and light and shadow intensity. Then, for your final rendering display, configure RDPADI (or RCPADI if you selected RDPADI for your draft mode) for a higher resolution (800 x 600 or 1024 x 768 x 256 or 1.67 millions colors). This way, you can save time by doing draft renderings during the design phase and then only spending the time necessary to do a final rendering after all the work is done. To toggle between RCPADI and RDPADI, choose the appropriate rendering driver in Render, Setup..., Configure in 3D Studio. Please note that if you haven't set up separate VIBRANT.CFG files with the VIBCFG environment variable, the rendering mode selection you make here will be for both AutoShade and 3D Studio (1.0 or 2.0). ========================================================================= CHAPTER 5: AUTOSHADE 2.0 ========================================================================= DL-Xpress supports AutoShade 2.0 386 as both a display driver and as a combination rendering and display driver, allowing you to not only display your wireframes at high resolutions, but also to generate high resolution, photo-realistic renderings. This combination of display and rendering driver is the preferred method of using DL-Xpress/386 with AutoShade. Additionally, DL-Xpress also lets you control certain aspects of your editing display, allowing you to customize your menu fonts, screen colors and even the palette. 5.1. INSTALLATION Follow the instruction in section 2.1 AUTOMATIC INSTALLATION, except steps 6 and 7. Instead of selecting AutoCAD, select AutoShade. 5.2. BASIC CONFIGURATION Invoke SHADE.EXE from DOS using AutoShade's -R command line option: SHADE -R After invoking AutoShade, you will be asked a long series of questions on the following topics: Pointing Device Display Driver Rendering Driver Sharing the Screen with ShadeRender Sharing the Screen with Autodesk Renderman Hardcopy Rendering Device Each of these questions and their answers are outlined below and on the following pages. Should you answer any of the configuration questions incorrectly you must return to DOS and start over since AutoShade does not allow any changes to the existing configuration. 5.2.1. POINTING DEVICE AutoShade presents a list of pointing devices. Select your pointing device from the list. 5.2.2. DISPLAY DRIVER Next, AutoShade will ask you to select from the list the display driver you wish to use. Choose 2 (PADI 386) and press (Enter). At this point, you should see DL-Xpress's title screen with boxes bouncing around the screen. Press any key to continue or wait ten seconds for the screen to change. *** Video Display Default ATI 68800 The next screen displays your current video mode. DL-Xpress asks whether you want to change the mode. To change the video mode, answer (Y). DL-Xpress displays a list of graphics boards. Using the (PgUp), (PgDn), and arrow keys, highlight your video board and press (Enter) to select. DL-Xpress presents a list of resolutions available with your graphics board. Use the same method to pick the resolution. To run AutoShade in dual screen mode, select this mode later when AutoShade asks you if the Display and Rendering screens share the same screen. Dual screen cannot be configured here. Please note that if you haven't set up separate VIBRANT.CFG files with the VIBCFG environment variable, any changes made here for AutoShade will affect AutoCAD and 3D Studio as well. For more information on how to use the VIBCFG environment variable, see Appendix C. *** Testing the Video Card Selection After selecting the new video mode and display options, DL-Xpress gives you the opportunity to test the video mode to make sure that it is correct. When DL-Xpress asks if you wish to test the video mode, answer (Y) or (N) as appropriate. If you answered (Y), DL-Xpress will first print a warning: If you have selected an incorrect video mode, testing the video mode may crash your system. Should your system crash, simply reboot and select a different video mode (You will have to restart configuration again with SHADE -R). DL-Xpress may also warn that you have selected a video mode that does not work with the board in your system. In this case, verify that you selected the correct selection from the card list and that your board is installed correctly. If the problem persists, see Appendix D for Troubleshooting. If everything goes well, you should see the test pattern showing your current video mode and resolution. If your screen is blank or garbled there is a problem with your video card or monitor. Be sure that your video card and monitor can support the selected resolution. Wait 10 seconds or press any key to exit the video test. DL-Xpress asks you if the test screen looked correct. If so, answer (Y) otherwise, press (N) and select another video mode. 5.2.3.ENTERING CUSTOM CONFIGURATION After configuring for your video display, DL-Xpress asks if you would like to enter custom configuration. Answer (Y) or (N) as appropriate. If you answer (Y), DL-Xpress will enter Custom Configuration menu. For detailed information on Custom Configuration, see later in this chapter. If you answer (N), DL-Xpress continues with rendering configuration. 5.2.4. SELECTING A RENDERING DRIVER After you have finished configuring the main display driver, AutoShade asks you to select a rendering driver. Again, select number 2 (PADI 386). You should see DL-Xpress's title screen again, with the bouncing boxes. Press any key or wait ten seconds for the next screen. DL-Xpress then asks for your video card and resolution just as before. Since DL-Xpress can now recognize that you are configuring for AutoShade's rendering driver, you will not prompted to enter Custom Configuration. Both AutoShade and Autodesk RenderMan use the same rendering mode. Bear this in mind when selecting your resolution. Selecting a higher resolution will result in Autodesk RenderMan taking longer to render. You should select a 16.7 million (24-bit) color mode for rendering (MACH32 based products only). Rendering, especially with AutoShade's optional Autodesk Renderman module, becomes more photorealistic. Please note that if you haven't set up separate VIBRANT.CFG files with the VIBCFG environment variable, the rendering mode selection you make here will be for both AutoShade and 3D Studio (both 1.0 and 2.0). For more information on how to set the VIBCFG environment variable, see Appendix C. 5.2.5. AUTOSHADE QUESTIONS AutoShade will now ask several questions relating to the interaction of the display and rendering screens. Do the display and AutoShade rendering devices share the same screen? (default = No): Answer (N) only if you have two separate graphics boards that each have their own screen. Most users will want to answer (Y) here. Do the display and Autodesk Renderman rendering devices share a single screen? (default = No): Answer this question the same as the previous one. Most users will answer (Y) to this question. It is imperative that you answer these questions correctly for DL-Xpress to work as your rendering driver. When in doubt, you can always answer these questions (Y). You will get the next question only if you have answered the above questions with a (Y). Does Flip Screen require a redraw? (default = No): If you want your wire frame to be preserved while flipping to the rendering screen, answer (N) here. To prevent the redraw, the driver will save the wireframe image. Note that this requires the driver to use more memory. 5.3. CUSTOM CONFIGURATION DL-Xpress's Custom Configuration lets you customize various aspects of your AutoShade display. You can customize your menu fonts, screen colors and select from a number of palettes. Beware of changing any options that are not applicable to AutoShade. If you do not have a separate VIBCFG environment variable set, all configuration changes set here will also affect 3D Studio and AutoCAD. For more information on the VIBCFG environment variable, see Appendix C. Once you have entered DL-Xpress's Custom Configuration, the main will menu appear. The Custom Configuration menu that DL-Xpress displays has more options than are necessary for AutoShade. Unfortunately, AutoShade does not sufficiently communicate itself to DL-Xpress so DL-Xpress cannot detect the difference between AutoShade and AutoCAD. From the menu presented only Font Selection, Menu Color Scheme, and Palette Selection are applicable to AutoShade. None of the other options will have an effect. 5.3.1. CUSTOM CONFIGURATION USAGE It's easy to use Custom Configuration. Simply use the arrow keys on your keyboard to highlight the appropriate entry and then press (Enter) to select. In many cases you are asked to enter a response to a question. The first letter of the response is sufficient to enter the appropriate value most of the time. To leave an option unchanged, simply press (enter) to skip over it. You can exit a menu at any time by pressing (Esc). 5.3.2. FONT SELECTION DL-Xpress provides a wide variety of menu fonts. They come in all shapes and sizes. When selecting a font keep in mind your current resolution and the legibility of the font. To change the desired font, use the (PgUp), (PgDn), and arrow keys to select the desired font and press (Enter). Choose your desired font from the list, as described previously in table 2-1. Also refer to the sections Rules of Thumb for Fonts and Default fonts that follow Table 2-1. 5.3.3. MENU COLOR SCHEME DL-Xpress allows you to change your display colors in the following categories: Alert Boxes Background/Cursor Command/Status Lines Dialog Boxes Side Menus Pull-down Menus When you select the Menu Color Scheme option, DL-Xpress presents a submenu of the above options. Select the one you wish to modify. For each selection, you are presented with a submenu containing the specific item to change. There is a space to the right of each option where you can enter a color number. Depending on the palette you are using, you can select a number from 0 to 15 or 255. The name of the first 16 colors are listed to the left of the screen for quick reference. To view all available colors and the appropriate numbers, load the AutoCAD drawing COLORWH.DWG. Alert Boxes Foreground Background Border Background/Cursor Graphics Background Cursor Grid Border Lines Rubber Band Command/Status Lines Command Area Foreground Command Area Background Coordinate Line Foreground Coordinate Line Background Status Line Foreground Status Line Background DL-Xpress/386 Logo Foreground DL-Xpress/386 Logo Background Dialog Boxes Foreground Background Border Highlighted Foreground Highlighted Background Disabled Foreground Disabled Background Highlighted Disabled Foreground Highlighted Disabled Background Lines Side Menus Foreground Background Highlighted Foreground Highlighted Background Pull Down Menus Foreground Background Border Highlighted Foreground Highlighted Background Disabled Foreground Disabled Background Highlighted Disabled Foreground Highlighted Disabled Background 5.3.4. PALETTE SELECTION DL-Xpress currently provides seven color palettes to choose from: AutoCAD 16 AutoCAD 256 256 ADESK 256 ADI 256-16-ADI 256-16-ADESK Custom To change the color palette, use (Up Arrow) and (Down Arrow) to highlight the appropriate palette and press (Enter). Experimentation is the only way to really test the palette. Typically you will only use AutoCAD 16 & AutoCAD 256. The other palette options are provided for compatibility with earlier versions of DL-Xpress. 5.3.5. RESTORE FACTORY SETTINGS This function resets all of the Custom Configuration parameters to the original defaults. It will only affect those parameters set in this section and has no affect on those that are part of Basic Configuration. To restore the original settings, highlight the Restore Factory Settings option on your Custom Configuration main menu and press (Enter). DL-Xpress asks if you are sure you want to do this. Answer appropriately with (Y) or (N) and again press (Enter). 5.3.6. RESTORE PREVIOUS SETTINGS This function resets the parameters to the settings prior to entering Custom Configuration this time. Again, this function only affects the Custom Configuration parameters and not those set in Basic Configuration. To restore the previous settings, simply highlight Restore Previous Settings on you Custom Configuration main menu and press (Enter). DL-Xpress asks if you are sure you want to do this. Answer (Y) or (N) as appropriate. 5.4. USAGE WITH AUTOSHADE While running AutoShade and sharing the screens between display and rendering, you can use (F1) to toggle between the rendering and display screens. You may, of course, use the Save Image option to save what is currently on the rendering screen, even though the rendering screen is not visible. ========================================================================= APPENDIX A: TECHNICAL NOTES ========================================================================= A.1 DISPLAY LIST TECHNOLOGY The display list is a copy of the drawing with only the data needed to draw it on the screen. All other unnecessary information is removed. AutoCAD has limited display list capabilities built in, but by using a specialized display list driver, like DL-Xpress, the speed of the display can be improved by as much as 1000%. AutoCAD keeps the drawing in a very precise database with 16 digit floating decimal point accuracy. This is called world space. Because all of that information is unnecessary to see any portion of the drawing on the screen, AutoCAD creates a display list of XY coordinates that are integers from 0 to 32,000. This is called virtual space. Every time a new virtual space is extracted from the world space a complete regen must be done. AutoCAD then allows zooms and pans within this virtual space by mapping the appropriate view within the virtual space to the device coordinates. This is called a redraw. When DL-Xpress is installed, it takes over the device coordinate mapping and accelerates zooms, pans and redraws using proprietary display optimization algorithms. A.2 DISPLAY LIST COMPRESSION DL-Xpress has a function called display list compression that helps conserve memory on very large drawings that are text or polyline intensive. A.3 TRUE-ERASE DL-Xpress/386 now includes TRUE-Erase. TRUE-Erase eliminates garbage building up in your display list. In the past (and currently with all other display list drivers) whenever a vector-erasing command was executed, AutoCAD erased the object and used a vector to obscure the original on the screen. The display list driver would automatically assume that this was a new vector and added it to the display list (keeping the original one as well). The net result was that the display list grew, regardless of your drawing's size, using valuable memory. Redraws took longer, since there are more vectors. Often the screen flickered as the original vector(s) was drawn and then overdrawn with its black companion. Problems arose with two (or more) vectors drawn on top of each other. When one was erased, they were all hidden beneath the black vector. This could only be fixed by a regen. Display list drivers have tried various methods to combat this problem, but all attempts have been horrendously slow, in many cases incorrect, and a burden to the user. Now, with TRUE-Erase there is a solution. TRUE-Erase correctly detects a black vector before it is added to the display list and, due to DL-Xpress's blistering speed, removes the correct colored vector with no speed penalty. Simply make sure that TRUE-Erase is turned on in the Display List Options section of Custom Configuration and garbage is handled automatically handled completely invisibly to you, the user. CAD-Overlay users may wish to disable TRUE-Erase. The GC= command may be used to quickly disable TRUE-Erase, or you can use Custom Configuration. A.4 MULTIPLE VIEWPORTS AutoCAD's multiple viewport function divides the screen into multiple views of the same drawing. DL-Xpress fully supports multiple viewports and AutoCAD R11 paperspace. A.5 ANTI-ALIASING Anti-aliasing is the technical term for the process by which graphics drivers smooth lines on your screen. In normal graphics modes most lines exhibit a stair-step effect (jaggies) which detracts from the straightness of the line. Anti-aliasing blurs those stair-steps to create the illusion of a straight line. Lines in standard graphics are a single pixel (screen element) wide, with that pixel being the actual color of the line. Anti-aliasing draws most lines using 2 pixels, with each pixel pair summing to a full intensity of the desired color, visually. In this way, the eye is fooled into seeing two pixels as only one, at some position midway between the two anti-aliased ones. Anti-aliasing is accomplished by using the palette entries (colors) above color 15 (16-255) to store graded shades of the first 16 colors (0-15). The graded shades of these 16 colors are computed and loaded automatically by DL- Xpress after the initial palette load. By using this graduated palette shading technique, DL-Xpress is essentially trading the number of available colors (16 from 256) for smooth anti-aliased lines. If operating DL-Xpress in anti-aliased mode with a 16 colors, DL-Xpress will ignore the anti- aliasing and use the full 16 colors available for that graphics mode. ========================================================================= APPENDIX B: VIBCFG ENVIRONMENT VARIABLE ========================================================================= DL-Xpress saves all configuration data to a file. This file has the default name of VIBRANT.CFG and by default resides in the same directory as ACAD.CFG. If you are planning to use the same display mode, including the same resolution and number of colors, for all Autodesk applications on your system, then you don't have to worry about setting the VIBCFG variable in anything other than the AUTOEXEC.BAT file. If, on the other hand, different configurations will ever exist for one or more Autodesk applications on the same system, it's imperative that each one knows which DL-Xpress configuration to use. Setting the VIBCFG environment variable in an invoking batch file facilitates this. Placing the VIBRANT.CFG file properly is important under a number of different circumstances. These include: * Running different Autodesk applications in different resolutions and color modes on the same system. * Having several users on the same system, each requiring a different configuration of fonts, command lines, menu colors, etc. * Running more than one release of AutoCAD, since each requires a different configuration set up. * Running in a network environment so that each user has the appropriate configuration of DL-Xpress for their hardware. To allow each application to have its own configuration, it is important to set the environment variable with the directory, subdirectory and file name. This way the correct configuration of DL-Xpress is saved with the matching configuration of the Autodesk program it supports. If the variable is not set when the file is first created, it will follow the search parameters on the next page, looking for ACAD.CFG to place VIBRANT.CFG in the same sub directory. If the variable is set but contains an invalid path or filename, then the VIBRANT.CFG will not be created or used and any configuration changes will be lost. B.1 SETTING THE VARIABLE Enter into your AUTOEXEC.BAT file: SET VIBCFG=C:\ACAD\VIBRANT.CFG It is a good idea to name the configuration file in such a way that you know which application or configuration it supports. For example, if you were setting up a configuration for AutoShade you might type: SET VIBCFG=D:\SHADE\SHADEADI.CFG B.2 THE SEARCH PARAMETERS If the environment variable is not set, when DL-Xpress saves configuration changes it searches through the following to find an appropriate place to put the configuration data file. To do this is looks for ACAD.CFG in: 1. The current directory. 2. Next, all paths specified in the environment variable ACADCFG. 3. Then, all paths specified in the environment variable ACAD. 4. Next, all paths specified in the environment variable PATH. 5. If ACAD.CFG is still not found, the current directory is used. Letting DL-Xpress do this search will only have predictable and valid results if DL-Xpress is used exclusively with AutoCAD. Otherwise the VIBCFG environment variable must be set at least in the AUTOEXEC.BAT file. ========================================================================= APPENDIX C: TROUBLE SHOOTING ========================================================================= C.1 ENVIRONMENT SPACE Environment space is controlled by the SHELL statement in your CONFIG.SYS file. For example: SHELL=C:\COMMAND.COM /P /E:1024 The /E:1024 sets the environment space to a maximum size of 1K (1024 bytes) in this example. To change the size of your environment space, change the number after /E:. The DOS SET command may be used to make sure that all your environment variables are correctly set. Type at the DOS prompt: SET DOS will display the current environment variables set on your system. If you have insufficient environment space for all your variables, some may be incomplete or not displayed at all. You should increase the size of your environment space in your CONFIG.SYS file and reboot your system. DOS v3.1 supports the /E flag in different format than later versions. Instead of specifying the size in bytes of the environment space, /E specifies the size in 16 byte blocks. For example, to define an environment space of 1024 bytes, you would use /E:64. C.2 SYMPTOMS & SOLUTIONS Symptoms: + No speed increase in zooms or pans. + Odd results when using DL-Xpress's keyboard commands. These symptoms often occur if a system has been previously run using a lower level ADI driver such as Lightning Zoom or HighRES 9 or 10, which require the AutoCAD's Fast Zooms to be disabled. Solution: To enable AutoCAD's Fast Zooms, type VIEWRES at the command line. Answer (Y) for Fast Zooms. Pick a good value for Circle Zoom Percent. We suggest about 4800. Smaller values will use less memory and will be faster but arcs and circles will not appear as smooth. Symptoms: + System crashes unexpectedly. Solution: When installing DL-Xpress/386 protected-mode driver it is important to remove any other real-mode TSR ADI display drivers from your AUTOEXEC.BAT or other batch files used to invoke AutoCAD. Using our products eliminates the need for these drivers. Though it generally is not a problem, some users have experienced unexplained system lock ups until the other drivers are removed. Some screen saver TSR programs can also cause your system to crash. They do not correctly recognize your current video mode and make incorrect writes to the screen, crashing your system. Symptoms: + Materials Editor under 3D Studio appears small and takes up only a portion of the screen. Solution: When installing DL-Xpress/386 protected-mode driver, select a larger font for the material editors. This is not necessary for any other mode, but the materials editor screen size is related to the font size and should be larger. An 18-point font at 640 x 480 is ideal. For higher resolutions, choose a larger font. Symptoms: + System crashes unexpectedly under 3D Studio 1.0 while rendering. Solution: Check to be sure that you are choosing RCPADI (not RDPADI) as your rendering device under 3D Studio 1.0. The only time you should select RDPADI under 3D Studio 1.0 is if you have a graphics board that isn't compatible with DL- Xpress and have installed a separate 3D Studio driver for it. Symptoms: + System locks up when configured for dual screens during video card test or when entering the drawing editor. Solution: Check to see that both graphics cards are in the computer. More often than not, one card has been "borrowed" or removed for some reason. If not, enter Basic Configuration and select Single Screen. Symptoms: + After a flip screen, plot or shell command, the text screen will not appear correctly. Solution: Certain versions of ANSI.SYS published by Compaq Computer Corp. have problems with DL-Xpress. Replace the Compaq ANSI.SYS with any other version of ANSI.SYS. If you have difficulty locating a suitable replacement version, contact us. Symptoms: + Cursor leaves unexplained trash on the screen. Solution: DL-Xpress/386 uses a specific high speed drawing mode that some mouse drivers do not correctly detect. Replacing the mouse driver with a current version will generally eliminate the problem, if not please contact us. Microsoft Mouse drivers versions 5.xx, 6.xx, and 7.xx have been known to be especially prone to this problem. Version 8 of the Microsoft Mouse drivers is now available from Microsoft, on BBSs and from us. Symptoms: + The screen clears very slowly in a 256 color VGA mode when a monochrome card is installed as a secondary text monitor for dual screen use. Solution: Whenever an 8-bit IBM monochrome text or Hercules monochrome graphics board is co-resident in a system with a VGA card, the VGA card is forced into 8-bit accesses instead of 16-bit accesses. Since there are no 16-bit monochrome text cards being built, the only low cost solution to this problem is to use a 16 color mode. A 16 color mode's screen clear speed is not affected as much by 8-bit accesses as a 256 color mode's. Symptoms: + When configured for a Summagraphics digitizer utilizing the interrupt mode selection of the built-in AutoCAD Summasketch driver, the special DL-Xpress buttons are inactive. Solution: AutoCAD Release 11's interrupt mode is currently incompatible with ADI drivers that need to see the input device buttons for their own commands. To correct this problem reset the internal driver to streamed or polled mode or use a different digitizer driver. Symptoms: + Excessive Swapping. Solution: The solution can take many forms. Basically, either you have drawings that create extra large display lists; too many viewports open at once; an inappropriate Flip Screen Option mode selected for your memory configuration; or you just need more RAM for the drawings that you are trying to edit while using DL-Xpress. * Lower the value used in AutoCAD's VIEWRES. This will make the display lists slightly smaller. * Don't have as many Viewports open at one time. * Enter Custom Configuration and select the appropriate Full, Partial, or Redraw mode for Flip Screen Option. * Buy more RAM. ========================================================================= APPENDIX D: TECHINCAL SUPPORT ========================================================================= When you report any problems to our Technical Support staff, please have the following information ready: * DL-Xpress's serial number. * DL-Xpress's version number. * Where did you purchase DL-Xpress? * What application(s) and version(s) are you running? (AutoCAD R11, 3D- Studio v2.0, etc...) * What is your computer configuration? (CPU type, speed, memory size, pointing device, etc...) * What video board are you using? (Memory and resolution) What type of installation did you perform? * Other ADI drivers you have installed on your system. To better serve you, if your question or problem is urgent, please send us a detailed fax of your problem with the above questions answered and also a printout of your AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS files. Additionally, if you use another batch file to enter your application (ACAD.BAT or 3DS.BAT), please include a copy of that with your fax. - E N D -